Iowa City's first carnaval celebration is quickly approaching. To get in the spirit, the University of Iowa Museum of Art has paired with Iowa City Carnaval to put together a free public event to be held on Saturday, April 20 in North Hall, Room B1, on the UI campus.

Clary Salandy, a carnaval artist and designer from Trinidad, will give a short presentation during the event, preceding her artist talk on April 24. Additionally, Modei Akyea, UI Afro-Cuban dance instructor, will teach a special dance demo and discuss the roots of African dance in contemporary carnaval dance.

Salandy’s presentation will be offered from 1-1:40 p.m. followed by an African and Caribbean plantain tasting and recipe discussion from 1:50-2:15 p.m. Akyea will present from 2:15-3 p.m. From 3-5 p.m., a carnaval costume workshop will allow interested people to begin working on a costume or float for the Iowa City Carnaval parade, to be held June 9.

Sponsors for the event are the University of Iowa Arts and Humanities Initiative, UI International Programs, and the UI Center for Diversity and Enrichment.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the UIMA in advance at 319-335-1727.